Lifestyles

Home Life

GARDEN TREAT: The chocolate flower produces charming, yellow daisy-type flowers with dark centers all summer long, but the real appeal for many is its distinct chocolate fragrance that is most noticeable in the morning hours. (Photo by Ann Montague)

I am a chocoholic, but alas it goes directly to my waistline, so I indulge in calorie-free chocolate treats ... in my garden.

One of my favorite chocolate fixes is the chocolate flower, Berlandiera lyrata. The Plant Select program brought this native wildflower to the attention of consumers several years ago. It produces charming, yellow daisy-type flowers with dark centers all summer long, but the real appeal for many is its distinct chocolate fragrance that is most noticeable in the morning hours.

Later in the day, the alluring scent of chocolate can be found drifting from the velvety flowers of chocolate cosmos. But as tasty as these flowers smell, neither are edible.

For edible "chocolates," look in the vegetable garden. Imagine a salad with 'Mini Chocolate Bell' peppers and 'Chocolate Cherry' tomatoes that resemble rich bonbons. From the herb garden, pluck a few sprigs of chocolate mint for herbal tea or to add to fresh fruit or desserts. It smells and tastes like a peppermint patty. As with any other mint, grow it in a container or it will run rampant in your garden.

Plants with near black or dark, dark red flowers also can bring a chocolaty look to the garden. Instead of the traditional blue flowers, Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' has brown and yellow flowers. The 'Sweet Hot Chocolate' daylily has the rich reddish-brown hue of the powdered cocoa in my favorite chocolate cake.

Since dark chocolate is not to everyone's taste, milk chocolate also is represented in the garden. The flower spikes of Digitalis 'Milk Chocolate' and 'Chocolate Soldier' columbine offer the lighter side of the treat.

Several popular plants get chocolate names from their dark foliage. Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip', a groundcover; 'Chocolate' Joe Pye Weed, a tall perennial for the back of the border; Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' and 'Chocolate Mint' coleus are but a few examples.

These plants can add drama and depth to a planting. Pairing them with lighter colored foliage and flowers creates an interesting combination and intensifies the colors of both plants. Silver, gold, yellow and chartreuse provide a dramatic contrast to brownish foliage in a sunny border. However, a plant with dark foliage will virtually disappear if planted in the shade.

Last year I added a rich brown iris called 'Chocolate Ecstasy' to my collection. It quickly became the star of the border during bloom season. This year I hope to try out dahlias with yummy sounding names like 'Chocolate Sundae' and Karma Choc.' These are indulgences that won't require pants in a larger size or hours on the treadmill.

Colorado State University Extension in the City and County of Broomfield provides unbiased, research-based information about 4-H youth development, family and consumer issues, gardening, horticulture and natural resources. As part of a nationwide system, Extension brings the research and resources of the university to the community. The Broomfield County Extension office is at 1 DesCombes Drive, Broomfield, 80020. For information, call 720-887-2286.

MacIntyre feels Colorado is capable of making run at bowl gameCU BUFFS FALL CAMPWhen: 29 practices beginning Wednesday morning 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday practices are open to the media and public next week. Full Story

It didn't take long for Denver music observers to notice Plume Varia. Husband and wife Shon and Cherie Cobbs formed the band only two years ago, but after about a year they started finding themselves on best-of lists and playing the scene's top venues. Full Story